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TheAmpersandClown
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23 Feb 2014, 6:53 am

I've been seeing a psychiatrist (or psychologist, whatever) for a little while, and they're going to refer me to get a diagnosis for Asperger's soon. I'm really worried about it; what should I expect? What are some of your experiences? Also, I'm in the UK if it makes any difference.
Also, I told my friend about it and she just laughed at me, saying that she would believe me if I had depression but not if I said I have Asperger's. Is there any way I can explain it better?
Thanks (:



one-A-N
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23 Feb 2014, 7:12 am

Depression is one of the common side effects of ASD.



TheAmpersandClown
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23 Feb 2014, 7:25 am

one-A-N wrote:
Depression is one of the common side effects of ASD.

I know. I'm getting checked for depression and anxiety along with Asperger's. There's pretty much no doubt that I have them



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23 Feb 2014, 7:27 am

You can probably expect a test of some kind. You will get an explanation to certain traits, behaviors, problems and strengths or whatever brought you to the psychiatrist.

Your friend surely doesn´t know much about it.
You can explain Aspergers as a developmental difference, - primarily a sort of social dyslexia:
Many social situations may leave you as one big question mark or micro-expressions may pass you by, so it looks like, you ignore social rules or people.

Along with that, you may have an ability to focus intensely and become something like an expert in your field of interest.


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23 Feb 2014, 7:35 am

Your friend is probably trying to be supportive, feels able to relate to you, doesn't think you're weird so doesn't think you have aspergers. I would try to take this in the spirit you it was intended.

Sharing diagnoses is tricky since the goal with a friend is to relate not make them think differently about you. You could just tell your friend your anxious as they haven't figured out how to help yet---but your friend is likely to respond by trying to reassure you you are normal and will be surprised if you don't take it that way.

When I am sad it's usually better for me if I accept what's offered rather than disagree because some of the details are wrong.



TheAmpersandClown
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23 Feb 2014, 7:45 am

Waterfalls wrote:
Your friend is probably trying to be supportive, feels able to relate to you, doesn't think you're weird so doesn't think you have aspergers. I would try to take this in the spirit you it was intended.

Sharing diagnoses is tricky since the goal with a friend is to relate not make them think differently about you. You could just tell your friend your anxious as they haven't figured out how to help yet---but your friend is likely to respond by trying to reassure you you are normal and will be surprised if you don't take it that way.

When I am sad it's usually better for me if I accept what's offered rather than disagree because some of the details are wrong.


She's really not a supportive person. I've known her for a total of seven or eight years now, and she's always been mean to me. It's honestly all too much to write down, so I won't. However, she knows that I have difficulty in social situations but still expects me to go to things. Last week I canceled on going to a meal with her, her boyfriend (who also happens to be my ex.), and several other people due to various reasons, yet she blamed me that the others canceled. I understand that it's unfair if I sometimes cancel, but I have the whole blame for everyone else canceling too. Also, in social situations she always finds a way to take the piss out of me, usually involving several other people. It's honestly the furthest she can get from being supportive.
And with the whole relating thing, it's not that. Her parents were thinking about divorcing last year and I was trying my best to comfort her about it as my parents had divorced as well. She mocked my attempt at comfort, so I doubt she's trying to look for a way to relate to me.



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23 Feb 2014, 7:54 am

As she aunt acting like a friend, she'll likely respect you understand she isn't. I would avoid talking about depression, anxiety, or Aspergers with her and try to stay with less personal topics. She'll likely continue the way she has been, and probably tells herself you deserve it because you should know better.

I hope you can find other friends.